United Airlines offers a range of credit cards designed to cater to different types of travelers and their unique needs. These cards are issued in partnership with Chase Bank and come in various tiers, each with its own set of features and benefits. The most common types of United credit cards include the United Gateway Card, United Explorer Card, United Quest Card, and United Club Infinite Card.
The United Gateway Card is an entry-level option that provides basic travel benefits and rewards for occasional United flyers. It offers a modest earning rate on United purchases and dining, making it suitable for those who want to dip their toes into the world of travel rewards without committing to a higher annual fee. On the other hand, the United Explorer Card is a mid-tier option that offers more robust benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and enhanced earning rates on United purchases and dining.
This card is popular among frequent United travelers who want to maximize their rewards without paying a premium annual fee.
Key Takeaways:
- United offers a variety of credit card types, including personal, business, and premium cards
- Cardholders can enjoy benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and United Club access
- When comparing United credit card options, consider factors such as annual fees, rewards structure, and sign-up bonuses
- To choose the right United credit card, consider your travel habits, spending habits, and desired rewards
- Be aware of potential fees and interest rates associated with United credit cards, such as annual fees and APRs
- Maximize your United credit card points and miles by taking advantage of bonus categories, partner offers, and redemption options
- United Credit Card Benefits and Rewards
United credit cards come with many benefits and rewards that can significantly enhance your travel experience and help you save money on flights and related expenses. One of the most valuable perks offered by many United credit cards is the free checked bag benefit. This can save you up to $35 per flight, which can quickly add up for frequent travelers.
Additionally, cardholders often enjoy priority boarding, allowing them to settle into their seats earlier and secure overhead bin space for their carry-on luggage. Another significant advantage of United credit cards is the ability to earn miles on everyday purchases. Cardholders typically earn bonus miles on United purchases, dining, and sometimes other categories like hotels or grocery stores.
These miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. Some cards also offer travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption coverage, baggage delay insurance, and auto rental collision damage waivers. These protections can provide peace of mind and potentially save you money in case of unexpected travel disruptions.
Comparing United Credit Card Options
When comparing United credit card options, it's essential to consider the features, benefits, and annual fees associated with each card. The United Gateway Card, for instance, has no annual fee and offers a modest 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and gas stations. This card is ideal for those who want to earn United miles without paying an annual fee, but it lacks some of the premium travel benefits offered by higher-tier cards.
The United Explorer Card, on the other hand, comes with a $95 annual fee (waived for the first year) and offers more substantial benefits. Cardholders earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, and receive perks like a free first-checked bag, priority boarding, and two one-time United Club passes each year. For more frequent travelers, the United Quest Card offers even more benefits, including a $125 annual United purchase credit, two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits, and enhanced earning rates.
The top-tier United Club Infinite Card provides the most comprehensive set of benefits, including United Club membership, Premier Access travel services, and the highest earning rates among United credit cards.
How to Choose the Right United Credit Card for You
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | Rewards Rate | Travel Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Gateway Card | 0 | 30,000 miles | 2 miles per 1 on United purchases | None |
| United Explorer Card | 95 | 60,000 miles | 2 miles per 1 on United purchases | Free checked bag, priority boarding |
| United Quest Card | 250 | 70,000 miles | 2 miles per 1 on United purchases | United Club membership, Premier Access |
| United Club Infinite | 525 | 90,000 miles | 4 miles per 1 on United purchases | Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit |
Selecting the right United credit card depends on various factors, including your travel frequency, spending habits, and desired benefits. To make an informed decision, start by assessing how often you fly with United Airlines and whether you typically check bags or prefer to travel light. If you're a frequent United flyer who regularly checks bags, a card that offers free checked baggage could provide significant value and potentially offset the annual fee.
Consider your spending patterns and how they align with the bonus categories offered by different United cards. If you frequently dine out or stay at hotels, a card that offers bonus miles in these categories could help you accumulate rewards faster. Additionally, think about the level of travel benefits you desire.
If you value airport lounge access and premium travel perks, a higher-tier card like the United Club Infinite Card might be worth the investment. However, if you're an occasional traveler who simply wants to earn miles on everyday purchases, a no-annual-fee option like the United Gateway Card could be more suitable.
United Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates
When considering a United credit card, it's crucial to understand the associated fees and interest rates. Annual fees for United credit cards range from $0 for the United Gateway Card to $525 for the United Club Infinite Card. While higher annual fees often come with more valuable benefits, it's essential to ensure that the perks you receive outweigh the cost of the card.
Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, giving you an opportunity to test the card's benefits before committing to the ongoing cost. Interest rates on United credit cards vary depending on the specific card and your creditworthiness. As of 2024, the average APR for United credit cards ranges from around 18.24% to 25.24% variable.
It's important to note that these rates are subject to change based on market conditions and individual factors. To avoid paying high-interest charges, it's best to pay your balance in full each month. If you tend to carry a balance, you may want to prioritize finding a card with a lower APR over one with more travel benefits.
Maximizing Your United Credit Card Points and Miles
To get the most value from your United credit card, it's essential to develop strategies for earning and redeeming miles effectively. One of the best ways to maximize your earnings is to use your card for all eligible purchases, especially in bonus categories that earn extra miles. For example, if your card offers bonus miles on dining and travel, make sure to use it when paying for restaurants and booking flights or hotels.
When it comes to redeeming miles, flexibility is key. United's MileagePlus program allows you to use miles for flights on United and its Star Alliance partners, giving you access to a vast network of destinations worldwide. To get the best value, look for Saver Award flights, which require fewer miles than standard awards.
Additionally, consider using your miles for premium cabin upgrades or combining miles with cash to book flights when you don't have enough miles for a full award ticket. Take advantage of promotional offers and bonus mile opportunities provided by United and Chase. These may include limited-time increased sign-up bonuses, bonus miles for adding an authorized user, or special promotions for using your card in specific categories.
By staying informed about these offers and strategically timing your applications or purchases, you can significantly boost your mile earnings. Lastly, don't forget to leverage the additional benefits offered by your United credit card. Use your free checked bag benefit when traveling, take advantage of priority boarding, and make use of any travel credits or airline fee reimbursements provided by your card.
By fully utilizing all the perks and benefits of your United credit card, you can enhance your travel experience and maximize the overall value you receive from the card.
The main benefits and advantages of United Gateway Card
For travelers and everyday consumers looking to gain rewards without the burden of an annual fee, the United Gateway Card offers a compelling proposition. As an entry-level credit card with no annual fee, issued by Chase in partnership with United Airlines, it's designed to provide benefits to both occasional and regular flyers alike. Here's an in-depth look at what makes this card advantageous:
1. No Annual Fee. One of the most attractive aspects of the United Gateway℠ Card is its $0 annual fee. This means cardholders can enjoy the benefits of a travel rewards card without worrying about offsetting a yearly charge, which is particularly beneficial for those who fly United Airlines sporadically or are just beginning their journey into travel rewards.
2. Welcome Bonus. The card offers a welcome bonus that new cardholders can earn by meeting the initial spending requirement. Currently, you can earn 30,000 bonus miles (about $500) after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This bonus alone can be a significant incentive, translating into potential flight rewards or other travel-related expenses, given that United miles are often valued at around 1.2 cents each for economy flights.
3. Mileage Earning Rates. The United Gateway Card provides a straightforward earning structure:
- 2x miles on United® purchases, which includes tickets, in-flight food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.
- 2x miles at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, which includes ride-sharing services, taxi rides, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
This setup is ideal for those who spend regularly at gas stations or use public transportation, as it maximizes the return on these everyday expenses.
4. In-Flight Discounts. Cardholders receive 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when using the Gateway Card. This can significantly reduce the cost of in-flight purchases, making travel more enjoyable without the additional expense.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees. For those who travel internationally, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a major plus. This means that purchases made outside the U.S. will not incur the typical 3% fee, allowing you to use your card abroad without worrying about extra costs. This feature alone can be a substantial advantage, especially for travelers who frequently cross borders.
6. Travel and Purchase Protections. While it lacks the extensive travel perks of higher-tier cards, the United Gateway℠ Card still offers a suite of protections:
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares if your trip is canceled or cut short by covered situations like illness or severe weather.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Provides coverage for theft and collision damage for most rental cars when you decline the rental agency's insurance.
Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases made with your card against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
These protections add layers of security for both travel and everyday spending.
7. Complimentary DashPass Membership. Cardholders can enjoy one year of complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activation required by December 31, 2024). This benefit offers unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on qualifying orders, which can save frequent users significant amounts, especially if they order food often.
8. Expanded Award Availability. A notable benefit for those in the MileagePlus program is the expanded saver award ticket availability that comes with holding a United credit card, including the Gateway Card. This perk allows cardholders to find and book award flights more easily, potentially saving on travel costs by using miles when cash fares are high.
9. Introductory APR on Purchases. The card provides an introductory 0% APR on purchases for 12 months, followed by a variable APR. This can be particularly useful if you're planning a significant purchase or if you need to spread out travel expenses over time without accruing interest.
10. Partnerships and Flexibility. While not as robust as higher-tier cards, the United Gateway℠ Card still taps into the broader United Airlines ecosystem. This includes partnerships with various airlines within the Star Alliance and other travel services, providing more options for redemption beyond just United flights, like hotels and car rentals.
11. User Experience and Accessibility. Chase's user-friendly platform and customer service support make managing your Gateway Card straightforward. Plus, the card is accessible to those with good credit, typically requiring a FICO score of 670 or above, broadening its appeal to a wider audience looking to engage with travel rewards.
Who Should Consider the United Gateway Card?
Casual Travelers: Especially those who fly United occasionally but don't want to pay an annual fee.
New to Travel Rewards: For those dipping their toes into the world of travel rewards without wanting to commit to a higher fee card.
Commuters: Individuals who spend significantly on transit and at gas stations, benefiting from the 2x miles earning rate.
International Shoppers: Anyone making purchases abroad can save on foreign transaction fees.
Food Delivery Fans: With the complimentary DashPass, this card could be beneficial for those who order food regularly.
The United Gateway Card, while not packed with the premium perks of its more expensive siblings, provides substantial value for its no-annual-fee structure. It's a gateway (pun intended) to the United Airlines MileagePlus program, offering a pathway to earn miles on everyday purchases with additional travel benefits. For those looking for a simple, cost-effective way to engage with United Airlines' rewards program, this card is an excellent choice. However, for more frequent or dedicated United flyers, considering a card with an annual fee might unlock further benefits that could be more aligned with extensive travel habits.
In essence, the United Gateway Card is a testament to how a well-designed, no-annual-fee card can still offer significant advantages, blending convenience with rewards in a package that's accessible to many.
